Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis - ADVISABLE

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis PICTURE BOOK 2021 $20 9781324015741 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL, EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In 1938, Nicholas Winton, fearing for the children of Czechoslovakia, rented a room in Prague and carefully collected names and prepared for the evacuation of hundreds of children. He wanted to find them foster families in England and get them out of harm's was. Vera was one of those children. 

Beautifully and richly told, in Peter Sis' creative style. The author's note at the end adds richness to the story of both Nicky and Vera. (and tells about others who were rescued and what they have grown up to become) Although a picture book, I find it more appropriate for a middle school or upper elementary student, and in the classroom I would pair this with Bradley's "The War that Saved by Life"

Lisa Librarian

The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey - ADVISABLE

The Counterclockwise Heart by Brian Farrey, 352 pages. Algonquin Young Readers, 2022. $18.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Guntram (21yo) leaves his little town for an offered position at the palace, Alphonsus (10yo) is given his first real princely duty, and Esme (12yo) has returned to the place her people, the magic wielders, fled, in order to complete a task. Their lives will soon intertwine, a fate set in motion by the inexplicable appearance of the Onyx Maiden ten years ago.

Everything starts a little discombobulated with the switching of points of view and skipping through time, and I doubted that it was all going to fit together. And then connections started to form. Once the jumbled parts started making sense, I couldn’t put down the book until I finished. Farrey is a brilliant craftsman of words, and I loved journeying with his characters.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

It All Begins with Jelly Beans by Nova Weetman - ADVISABLE

 It All Begins with Jelly Beans by Nova Weetman, 244 pages. McElderry Books, 2021. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meg tries to hide out in the nurse’s office as often as possible. In there she is safe. There other students won't comment on how she always wears the same T-shirt every day or how she wears slippers instead of shoes. Riley wants to fit in at her new school, but she is worried about her Type 1 diabetes and that the other students will not understand that she has to test her blood all the time to see what her blood sugars are. She carries a fanny pack with her testing supplies and sugar sources - she prefers jelly beans. The two girls have one class together and they often end up in the nurse’s office together. Over jelly beans, they start forming a friendship. The narrative alternates between the girls. This book is full of surprises and shows how strong and tenacious kids can be. They are both great kids and we see how they work out what kind of people they want to be.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The New Brilliants by Robert Bowman - OPTIONAL

The New Brilliants (The Three Vests) by Robert Bowman, 224 pages. Smart and Smarter Publishing, 2003. $10

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Three good friends, Samantha, Jaun and George are spelunking and find a really old, really big chest with three locks. They know it wasn't there a few days earlier, but they carefully open the chest, and at first nothing happens. Then with a great swirling and a thunderous voice, each is gifted with a vest and a future. They don’t know what is in store for them, or the responsibilities that now rest on them.

A very original and fascinating tale. Great character development and really well defined good and evil. There are two more books in this series and they were all great. They are all worth reading and I think all of them, especially book 1 would be a good read aloud for a class. Only available on Amazon and unappealing covers means you would have to hand-sell this series.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr - ADVISABLE

 A Glasshouse of Stars by Shirley Marr, 246 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2021. $18

Content: G (talk of death and dying) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meixing Lim and her family moved to the new house in a new land (Australia) after they inherited the house from and uncle who died suddenly. The house is big and the garden vast. In the back of the yard is a glasshous, which for Meixing is magical. She has a hard time making friends and is scared of the large new house. Tragedy strikes this family and Meixing must be brave and resilient and try to find her place in this new world that she really does not understand.

A fascinating story about one little girl uprooted from all she knows and loves and moved to a new country where she does not know anybody. She doesn't understand the culture and the language and how to be friends with other children. The books shows tremendous growth in Meixing and fantastic coping skills. Written in second person, it does take a mental switch to read it.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

You Were Made For Me by Jenna Guillaume - OPTIONAL

You Were Made For Me by Jenna Guillaume, 328 pages. Peachtree Publishing Company, 2021. $18

Language: R (46 swears, 6 “f”); Mature Content: PG – 13 (some nudity and teenage sexuality, nothing graphic); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Katie has dreams of the perfect guy - I mean, who doesn’t - but when one night, the guy of her dreams actually materializes, in her room, NAKED?! (Don’t ask how it happens). Katie doesn’t actually know what to do with him. Guy is perfect. Looks perfect, acts perfect, is perfectly devoted to Katie, so why isn’t she happy? Meanwhile, she also has to navigate high school bullies, first kisses, and crumbling BFF relationships as well. 

 Apparently, this is a retelling of the Weird Science movie from the 80’s, which I haven’t seen, so I missed that reference. In general it is a pretty cute teen rom-com. I like the discussion on expectations on perfection. Like, does anyone actually want perfection? Not really. However, like most rom-coms, Guy’s - yes, his name is Guy - character is flat. He is a golden retriever personified. He exists to worship and adore Katie, but what happens if/when that relationship ends? What happens to Guy? I was unsatisfied with the conclusion and how everything wrapped up, however rom-coms don’t tend to run deep anyway. 

Reviewer: BookswithBeddes 

Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy - ADVISABLE

Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy, 185 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Dial Books (Penguin Random House), 2021. $15

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (racism, Islamophobia, period talk); Violence: PG (bomb threat) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Huda has just moved to a small town with a big Muslim population. Suddenly, she is no longer the only girl wearing a hijab. Now, she has to figure out who she really is, underneath the headwear. 

Huda's story will appeal to any teenager who doesn’t feel like they belong anywhere. Huda’s character perfectly captures the awkwardness of trying to figure out where you fit in as a young teen. It has the added benefit of illustrating the Muslim-American experience, which is something that I haven’t come across a lot in my reading. I think this would be a worthwhile collection to any library, as representation like this is powerful and validating. 

Reviewer: BookswithBeddes 

Red Scare by Liam Francis Walsh - HIGH

Red Scare: a graphic novel by Liam Francis Walsh, 236 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic Inc), 2022. $15

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (PTSD, mob violence, gun violence, physical attacks, bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Peggy is crippled, recovering from polio. Her family is struggling with the aftermath of the Korean War, as her father is a veteran. She has a new neighbor girl whose family moved due to the Red Scare. Peggy discovers a mysterious artifact that brings two shady FBI agents and a mysterious man in a trench coat to town. She will have to save her family, friends, and town from rising Cold War tensions - if she is brave enough. 

This is a fast-paced, film noir-esque, sci-fi flavored historical fiction set during the late 50's Cold War. Some of the topics addressed in the book are on the more mature side of PG-13. For example, Peggy’s father is a double amputee, which, while not graphic, does come out at a very tense mob scene in the book. The hysteria and paranoia of the Red Scare are perfectly captured in the graphic novel, making for a nail-biting read. This would be a great supplement book for any US history or American Literature class. 

BookswithBeddes 

What Once Was Mine by Liz Braswell - OPTIONAL

 

What Once Was Mine (Twisted Tale, #12) by Liz Braswell, 490 pages. Disney Hyperion, 2021.  $19.  

Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.  

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Rapunzel is born with glowing hair, but in this version, her hair comes from a moonflower and as the moon changes phases, Rapunzel's hair has different magical powers. When Rapunzel is a newborn, she accidentally kills a nurse when she is angry and then is quickly whisked away by Gothel to a tower. Gothel convinces Rapunzel that she is in the tower because her hair kills people. The story picks up when Rapunzel turns nineteen and Gothel bids Rapunzel's hand in marriage to the highest paying evil-doer. However, before Gothel can sell her, Rapunzel sneaks out of the tower to find the glowing lanterns and to track down Flynn Ryder who she has seen in the meadow outside her tower. What ensues is an adventure full of self-discovery, magic, romance, friendship and villainy.  

Tangled is one of my all-time favorite Disney movie, so I was super excited to read about Rapunzel. While slogging through the first 100 pages, I almost quit reading. It was boring, drawn out and not creative in the least. Then Rapunzel leaves the tower and all of the fun began.  I enjoyed Rapunzel's friend, Gina, and Rapunzel's discovery of her magical powers. Flynn was well developed and Maximus has an origin story that was surprising. That said, no matter how well the story turned out, I'm not sure there are many young readers out there who would keep slogging through to get to the good parts.  Also, the book is 490 pages long, so that alone would discourage many, making this book optional even though it had really good parts.  The violence bumps this book out of the elementary age and into middle school.  One of the villains kills multiple girls and bathes in their blood and there is a gruesome war wound.  

Reviewer, C. Peterson

A Poem is a Firefly by Charles Ghigna and Michelle Hazelwood Hyde - ESSENTIAL

 A Poem is a Firefly by Charles Ghigna, illustrated by Michelle Hazelwood Hyde. PICTURE BOOK. Schiffer Kids (Schiffer Publishing Ltd), 2018. $17. 9780764361081 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS – ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Join a host of woodland creatures as they explore what makes a poem. Each creature offers up what they see a poem is, although, in the end, the reader comes to understand that a poem can be all these things and more. 

This short and sweet picture book is chock full of metaphors of what poems are as a bear walks in the woods. I loved it. It simultaneously charmed me and made me think about the nature of poetry. It would be a great text to use in a high school ELA class when talking about poetry, and obviously with younger grades as well. 

BookswithBeddes 

Alice's Farm by Maryrose Wood - ADVISABLE

Alice's Farm by Maryrose Wood, 368 pages. BIOGRAPHY Feiwel and Friends (MacMillan). 2020. $17 

Language: G;  Mature Content: G; Violence: PG - Description of animal killing which happened off page. Some animal peril. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When a farm gets new owners, the rabbits want to make sure the new owners don't turn around and sell the place to a developer, so Alice and her brother Thistle do the unimaginable - the rally the wild animals from the surrounding woods to help with a cooperative garden. They even make friends with the farmer's dog and an eagle. 

 Told in alternating perspectives - the rabbits and other animals, who can talk to each other, and 12yo Carl, the farmer's son who can't talk to the animals, but his baby sister understand them and she can talk - sort of. I loved the animals' perspectives about death, and the cooperative nature of the garden. The side characters were a bunch of fun - the guys from the Eagle Project, the farmer who lives next door, even the villain, oh and all the different animals! Wood has created characters as realistic as Beatrix Potter's. A thoroughly enjoyable read that would make a great bedtime story or read aloud.

Lisa Librarian

The Die of Destiny by Frank L. Cole - ADVISABLE

 The Die of Destiny (Champion’s Quest) by Frank L. Cole, 304 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2021. $18 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

7th grader Lucas Silver is poised to run away from another foster home. Instead, he finds himself, with his only friend Miles, entering Hob and Bogie’s Curiosity Shoppe and agreeing to a game of Champion’s Quest. Jasmine, from Lucas’s class joins them – after she was kicked out of the pool for fighting. The fourth member of their band turns out to be Vanessa, the daughter of their foster parents. What the kids don’t realize is that, from the first roll of the dice, they have been transported to another world – where they really do have to go on a quest and they can’t leave until it is fulfilled. They don’t really know the rules, they don’t really know how to wield their weapons, but if they are very clever and learn how to work together, they might have a chance. 

A worthy addition to the subgenre of books about kids interacting with gaming realms. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Between You, Me, and the Honeybees by Amelia Diane Coombs - OPTIONAL

Between You, Me, and the Honeybees by Amelia Diane Coombs, 349 pages. Simon, 2020. $20 

Language: R (38 swears, 9 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (drinking, on page sex); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Soon to be 18yo Josie loves working in the family apiary (bee farm) with her mother. She wants it to be her life’s work, though her mother and her BFF are pushing her to go to college. When her mother flies to Florida to help their grandmother whose Parkinsons is worsening, Josie takes the chance to secretly get to know Evan, the grandson of their rival beekeepers – the very intriguing Evan. Josie is especially worried to keep their growing affection on the down-low, because of the bad blood in their family history. 

I was unimpressed by the need to include on page sex in the narrative, but I also realized 1/3rd through that I was not drawn into the romance or the accompanying narrative. I was so look forward to reading this because my husband is also a beekeeper. Instead I had to force myself to finish. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Life is Better with Friends by Micol Ostow - OPTIONAL

Life is Better with Friends by Micol Ostow. PICTURE BOOK. Scholastic, 2021. $18. 9781338787306

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Ostow gives as a bobblehead-like look at the Friends tv show. 

Another case of the subject matter not matching a picture book audience. At least I hope adults don’t watch the show with elementary aged children. But adults who know the show will enjoy this look back at the six Friends. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland - ADVISABLE

A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland, 229 pages. Disney Lucasfilm Press (Buena Vista Books), 2021. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

At 16yo, Vernestra is the youngest Jedi Knight in a long time, and she’s determined to do well on her first real assignment – even if it feels like babysitting. Her task is to supervise 12-year-old Avon, a senator’s daughter, on a ship to see the new space station, Starlight Beacon. However, when the ship is compromised, Vernestra, Avon, and a couple others escape on a maintenance shuttle and fly into the unknown. At least it’s better than being dead.

The ragtag team of a mirialan, three humans, and a droid seems like it shouldn’t be as relatable as Ireland makes it. Each of them struggle to know what to do next, some thinking rationally while others want to act on their emotions – including anger and grief. Ireland includes all the fun elements of Star Wars – i.e., spaceships, new planets, lightsaber battles, and Jedi mind tricks – making the story entertaining for old and new fans.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Song for Jimi by Charles R. Smith Jr. and Edel Rodriguez - AVERAGE

 Song for Jimi: the story of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Smith Jr., illustrated by Edel Rodriguez. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY. Neal Porter (Holiday House), 2021. $23. 9780823443338 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: EL – LOW; MS, HS - AVERAGE

Jimi Hendrix came into this world as Johnny Allen and lived a hard, chaotic, and wandering life before he became the famous, raw-toned guitarist. 

Smith uses long form poetry with a raw edge that feels like Jimi’s music for his narrative. He includes a lot of detail. My only problem is that the audience doesn’t fit the material. I will probably buy a copy for my middle school library, because we do share many picture book biographies. But I can’t understand why an elementary school would carry this. 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Medusa by Jessie Burton - ADVISABLE

Medusa by Jessie Burton, 209 pages. Bloomsbury YA (Bloomsbury), 2022. $20.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Medusa (18yo) lives on a deserted island with her sisters after the shame of everything that happened in their village. Four years have passed, and now a boy is on her island. Does Medusa dare call out to him, or does she stay safe and scared in her cave?

Burton tells the story of how Medusa came to have a head full of snakes, but, more importantly, she tells the story of Medusa’s struggle to love herself. The reflective quality of Medusa’s story, as she recounts her experiences to readers, captivates and invites personal reflection on topics of fate and self-identity. Gill’s sketched style of illustrations supports the reflective tone and is beautiful in its own right – I could hang some of those pictures on my wall and never tire of looking at them. The mature content rating is for partial nudity and implied rape.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar - AVERAGE

 American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar, 311 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2020. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0‘f’); Mature Content: PG (bullying); Violence: PG (racist incident)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Being from India, Lekha divides herself into two – at home she is a good Hindu girl and is more herself. At school she is the school Lekha. She is afraid to show her real self. She is often teased and bullied but just deals with it. Then a new girl, Avantika, moves in across the street. Avantika doesn't put up with bullies and she is just Avantika no matter where she is. She speaks with a heavy accent and is new to this country. The two girls form a neat friendship and they both help each other.

Great book about self-worth and self-discovery. I think, though, that this is one that adults will love, but students will need to be coaxed to read. Too bad, because Lekha’s troubles are every middle school student’s troubles.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Cold Hearted by Serena Valentino - NO

Cold Hearted (Villains #8) by Serena Valentino, 294 pages. Disney Hyperion (Buena Vista Books), 2021. $18.

Language: PG (0 swears, 0 “f” + British swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Queen Cinderella is appealing to Fairy Godmother to help her stepsisters, Drizella and Anastasia, but Fairy Godmother wants nothing to do with those cruel girls. When Fairy Godmother’s sister, Nanny, convinces her to listen to the story of Lady Tremaine and her daughters, the question of who was cruel and who deserves help is harder to answer.

While I like the idea of getting another perspective on what happened with Cinderella and showing readers that we don’t always know the full story, this book was very confusing. I was expecting more similarities to the Disney movie, but Valentino takes lots of creative liberties that I feel change the entire Cinderella story. I didn’t like the emphasis of fairies and witches controlling so much of the Many Kingdoms, but it certainly is a unique spin on things if that’s what you’re looking for.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Summerhaven by Tiffany Odekirk - ADVISABLE

Summerhaven by Tiffany Odekirk, 272 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $17.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Hannah is thrilled to receive an invitation to Summerhaven, the home of her late mother’s friend and her best childhood memories. Sure that the invitation means that her friend Ollie is finally ready to marry her, Hannah spends the carriage ride imagining the man he must have become and the happy future they are sure to have together. The first disappointment comes when Damon is the brother to greet her instead of Ollie, and the brothers’ actions only get more confusing.

Watching Hannah, Ollie, and Damon trip over themselves to try to keep up with their feelings was agonizing. While I was worried about the characters being wishy-washy and inconsistent, most of the time their actions felt real as they struggled to understand their own emotions and desires. They were just trying to do what they thought was best, and they kept getting in each other’s – and even in their own – way. 

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Islanders by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May - ADVISABLE

The Islanders by Mary Alice Monroe and Angela May, 293 pages. Simon and Schuster Kids, 2021. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

11yo Jake's dad is wounded in Afghanistan and is being flown to the U.S. for treatment. While Mom goes to be with Dad during his recovery, Jake is sent off the live with his grandma on Dewees Island - a nature preserve without cars or roads - not even any stores! As if that is not bad enough, he loses his phone while on the boat over to the island. Jake has to spend the whole summer with his grandma. Grandpa died recently so Grandma is mourning and she is depressed and listless. Grandma puts him to work cleaning and being a naturalist. He is to keep a journal of everything he sees every day. He even gets put on Turtle Patrol with his two new friends.

Jake is a strong and believable character. It was fun to see his growth and maturity increase as time went by. Jake and Grandma help each other, with a little help from other people, too. I really enjoyed this book. While reading I felt like I was right with them all at Dewees Island, exploring, observing, and keeping a nature log. It would be a wonderful read-a -loud book with a class, with your child or grandchild.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

As Large as Life by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat - ADVISABLE

As Large as Life by Jonny Marx, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat. PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY. 360 Degrees (Tiger Tales), 2021. $25. 9781944530341 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

26 different habitats for the reader to explore, each with a number of its resident animals illustrated with a most interesting fact included. 

I was so engaged! Because of the nature of the book, it can be opened on any page and perused. I learned so many new things! The only drawback, for my library, is the fact that the book is oversized - at 13" tall it won't fit on my shelves where it belongs unless it's placed on its side. Includes a table of contents.

Lisa Librarian

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galiza, Defender of Free Speech by Gattaldo - ADVISABLE

Fearless: The Story of Daphne Caruana Galiza, Defender of Free Speech by Gattaldo. PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY Candlewick Press, 2021. $18. 9781536219180 

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL,   EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Daphne grew up hearing stories about her 4th great grandfather who fought against Napoleon's army when they invaded Malta. She was a girl who knew her own mind, and like her grandfather, fought against injusstice. At 19yo she was arrested during a peaceful protest on false charges and spent 2 days in jail. As an adult, she wrote for a national newspaper and was not afraid to tell the truth. 

The author, Gattaldo was a close friend of Galiza and wrote/illustrated this to honor her memory. I loved it. The illustrations are just a little abstract, which gives the book its poetic feel, even though the text is in prose. I will enjoy introducing my middle school students to this important journalist. Contains some elements that may be upsetting to a younger child.

Lisa Librarian

Monsters of Rookhaven by Padraig Kenny, illustrated by Edward Bettison - ADVISABLE

Monsters of Rookhaven by Padraig Kenny, illustrated by Edward Bettison, 325 pages. Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2021. $17 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (monsters, peril, killing, and eating things) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

2 orphans - Jem and Tom, stumble upon a hidden manor house guarded by man-eating flowers and inhabited by monsters. But the monsters are Mirabelle's family, she's a monster, too. She's the one who found the children, she's convinced the elders to let them stay (at least until Tom isn't sick anymore) and she's trying to keep everything together, until something even more sinister than the monsters threatens the humans in the village as well as Mirabell's family. 

I loved this gothic tale - it had all the stuff - secret runes, trap doors, a beast behind a locked door (ironically names Piglet) a mystery, and kids helping save the village. Wonderful! Plenty of illustrations as well as black divider pages help wrap this story in a creepy, dark and ominous world. Plenty scary for those who want a thrilling read. 

Lisa Librarian

Break the Fall by Jennifer Iacopelli - OPTIONAL

Break the Fall by Jennifer Iacopelli, 322 pages. Razorbill (peguin), 2020. $18

Language: R (100+ swears, 16 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (sexual abuse mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

18 months ago Aubrey had a broken back from a horrible fall, but now she is on the Olympic gymnastics team and headed to Tokyo. There are only a few weeks of strenuous training left before her chances at Olympic gold. As she and the others train with the “Gibby”, their Olympic coach, drama abounds, but so does laughter. Then Gibby is taken away by the FBI – he’s been accused of falsifying a drug test that took one of the girls off the team. The IOC whisks the girls away from the media spotlight to the gym of a former Olympian who is not connected with Gibby’s program. Can the girls finish their training and fulfil their dreams?

You don’t have to be a gymnastics fan to enjoy this fascinating fiction look at the “ripped from the headlines” storyline. I’ve read many sports books by Lupica, Feinstein, and Green, and Iacopelli does the same thing with gymnastics. You may not know what they are doing, but even the descriptions of the events will draw you in. While I would love to have this in my library – language-wise it is not appropriate for a middle school. Too bad.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Black Kids by Christina Hammond Reed - OPTIONAL

The Black Kids by Christina Hammond Reed, 359 pages. Simon, 2020. $19

Language: R (100+ swears, 55 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (drinking, drugs, ; Violence:

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

17yo Ashley is living the high life in a posh LA suburb in the 1990’s. As one of a few black girls in her high school, she sees some racism, but her money mostly protects her from any real belligerence. Then the white police officers who were filmed beating Rodney King, a black man, are acquitted, and the world around her erupts. Now she finds out who her real friends are as they take sides and point fingers. Now her family can’t ignore the problems that they thought their money had bought them out of – not problems that they created, but problems caused by systemic racism that linger and lurk, waiting to make everyone’s lives miserable.

Ashley and her family let us see life as it was in LA in early 1992 – the racism that didn’t disappear after the Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s and hasn’t disappeared in 2020. However, it also depicts the casual sex, drinking, and drug use among high school students of any decade – exacerbated by their monied, privileged lives. Ashley herself is not particularly a sympathetic character, making this harder for adults to read than teens.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Dear Student by Ellie Swartz - ADVISABLE

Dear Student by Ellie Swartz, 304 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House), February 2022 $20 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Autumn has just started 6th grade. Her BFF just moved to California, and Autumn is worried about starting middle school alone. Walking to school on the first day, she meets Cooper when he accidently injures a baby lizard on the road. Then, at school that day, Autumn is invited to have lunch with Logan, a gregarious girl who seems to make friends easily. Maybe there's a chance for friendships after all. A favorite part of the school paper is "Dear Student" an advice column which will be written by a 6th grade student secretly assigned by Mr. Baker. Autumn applies (so does Logan) and when Autumn gets the job, she finds giving advice secretly is much harder than she thought, and could hurt her newly found friendships. 

Autumn is a great character, a lot going for her as well as a lot going on in her life (don't get me started about her father "leaving to join the peace corps" (what??)) She's resilient, thoughtful and is really trying to do the right thing even though she's going through a lot. Realistic representation of today's kids - Cooper and Logan were also experiencing some challenges. I liked the middle school drama and how a rumor can spread through the whole school in just a few class periods.

Lisa Librarian

Ain't Burned All The Bright by Jason Reynolds, artwork by Jason Griffin - OPTIONAL

Ain't Burned All The Bright by Jason Reynolds, artwork by Jason Griffin 384 pages. Atheneum  (Simon and Schuster), 2022. $20. 

Content: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

A boy and his family during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. The father is sick in bed; coughs. Mom is always watching the news, which is about racial unrest and seems to be fixed to that, rather than the family. His brother plays video games while his sister is on her phone. More a slice of life than a story, Reynolds and Griffin follow the young boy and his worries -so many worries, no real answers, just like real life. 

Fans of Jason Reynolds may pick this up, but it's not like his other books. Certainly a timely book as most of the readers today will have life experience to connect.  A quick read as text is limited, but there is so much in Jason Reynold's sparse text and Jason Griffin's illustrations that the book may be a different experience for each new reader. The illustrations are collage and just about every kind of rendering including gaffers and scotch tape, spray paint, and ball point pen, on moleskin notebook. I will certainly be showing my art teacher. 

Lisa Librarian

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy - ESSENTIAL

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy, 292 pages. Hyperion (Disney), 2021.

Language: PG (9 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (age appropriate drinking, making out); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE; HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Faced with no job offers after she finishes her fashion design program (with an emphasis on SHOES! Yum!), Cindy leaves her beloved NYC and heads back to Hollywood to her blended family – stepmom, 2 lovely stepsisters, and three adorable half sibs. Erica (stepmom) is the head of a very successful reality dating series – Before Midnight, and needs the steps to come in as last minute replacements, and Cindy decides to also take the plunge, even though she is taking a big risk as a plus-sized woman in a size 2 world. When she meets the bachelor – who should he be but that swoon-worthy man she met on her flight to LA! Can they keep their chemistry on the down-low and navigate the pitfalls of reality tv?

Even though the characters are college graduates, the story is totally appropriate for especially high school. Murphy weaves another charming story of living with a real-sized body and being your best possible person even with all the snark that surrounds you. And of course there is a great romance mixed in.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Lena, the Sea and Me by Maria Parr - OPTIONAL

 Lena, the Sea and Me (Companion to Everything on a Waffle) by Maria Parr, translated by Guy Puzey. 284 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Every time Lena and Trille from Mahtildewick Cove build a raft, it sinks. When Lena’s soccer team gets a new coach, she is not thrilled. She has always played goalie and now her chances look slim for that position. Both Lena and Trille go to music lessons that they do not like. Is it their fault the little sister gets stuck at the top of the flagpole? And how will they get her down?

A fun, easy read and a good reminder of how my childhood was in Norway. I still make waffles for my family, the Norwegian way. This is a good read-a-loud book and there are lots of things to talk about and discuss. Trille and Lena have oodles of fun, and some scary, adventures.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui - ADVISABLE

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui, 288 pages. Scholastic Press, 2021. $18 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Nimra has been attending a private Islamic School and has finished their Hifz program where she memorized the Qur'an. Now her parents feel it's time for Nimra to attend public school. Her best friend Jenna also goes to Farmwell, but when they are at school, their friendship seems different - Jenna didn't welcome Nimra into her friends group and she doesn't like that Nimra wears her hijab. When Matthew, Bilal and Waleed, 8th grade boys who overhear her praying in the band room, invite her to sing in their Muslim band Barakah Beats, she agrees, hoping this will impress Jenna and her friends - which it certainly does. But, Nimra knows her religious parents wouldn't want her to perform, so she doesn't tell them. 

Nimra really transitioned well from private to public school despite the friendship drama - which was spot on for that age group - who likes who, and making your friends talk to a boy for you etc. Siddiqui does a great job of keeping the reader culturally involved without weighing down the plot to do so. The author's note is great - I hope my readers don't stop at the end of the story, but keep reading through to the end. 

Lisa Librarian    

Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden - OPTIONAL

 Flight of the Puffin by Ann Braden, 229 pages. Nancy Paulsen Books (Penguin), 2021. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Someone writes a message on a card "You are Awesome," and leaves it to be discovered. As different people discover it, things start to change. Libby is a bully, but she wants to change. However, that is hard and she finds herself suspended from school again. We also meet Jack who is fighting to keep his small school open. The state says there are no money to keep it open and they will bus the students to a school in the city. Jack finds it hard to remember what and who counts the most. Next we meet Vincent, a mathematical genius who really admires Katherine Johnson. Vincent is bullied at school and it is getting worse. Then we meet T who ran away from home and is determined to make a home in a tent on a rainy sidewalk. Each child tells their own story, and T writes in all free verse.

I loved the story of each person and how hard they worked on overcoming their individual struggles. I really enjoyed the book but I was not happy with the surprise at the end. Other than that, I loved the book.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

Jude Banks, Superhero by Ann Hood - ESSENTIAL

 Jude Banks, Superhero by Ann Hood, 312 pages. Penguin Workshop, 2021. $17

Content: G (death of a child)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Jude’s sister, Katie, has died. He idolized his sister and they did everything together. Now Jude thinks if he just had a cape and was a superhero he could have jumped in and saved Katie. Jude struggles with grief and survivors guilt. Jude's mom has stayed in her room and is not even functioning since Katie died. His dad is trying. The neighbors take good care of the grieving family and bring an endless string of lasagna casseroles. Jude feels lost and really doesn't know how he'll even survive all this grief and all the lasagna. He finally meets a girl that also lost a sibling. Jude and Clementine bond over what they have in common and form a friendship of sorts.

Hood has a tremendous story - well written, believable, strong characters and a fast, easy read. I cried and laughed at different parts of the book. I am recommending it to everyone I meet. Jude's story deeply touched my heart and he will be with me for a very long time. This is a great book to hand to a student who has lost a sibling or a friend. People around us die all the time, and this book gives great insight to the grieving process. It even gives some ideas of what to do and what not to do when someone loses a loved one. Read this book!

Ellen-Anita LMS 

The Thief and the Noble by Dana LaCheminant - OPTIONAL

The Thief and the Noble by Dana LaCheminant, 268 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $16.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Lady Marian wants to help the lower class, but first she has to understand their needs. She dons a disguise to take a job as a barmaid and meets Robin, a thief intent on redistributing wealth. But everything becomes more complicated when Robin and Marian discover that the other isn’t what they appear to be.

As a retelling of Robin Hood, I enjoyed reading LaCheminant’s story – the thrill of vigilantism, the desire to help those who need it, and the reimagining of beloved characters. Unfortunately, I did not fall in love with this Robin, which made watching Marian fall in love with him difficult. Focusing on the action/adventure parts of the story was more fun than the romance parts, though the last chapter was, admittedly, a cute conclusion to the development of their relationship.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Pantomime by Christopher Sebela and David Stoll - HIGH

Pantomime by Christopher Sebela, illustrated by David Stoll, 144 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Mad Cave Studios. 2021. $18

Language: PG-13 (23 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG-13 (shootings, cutting, arson) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Haley and her brother, Max, are sent to a special needs high school following the death of their mother. They find friends in other deaf students and band together to commit crimes, which Haley finds strangely thrilling. They end up stealing from the wrong person though, and find that there are unpleasant consequences that will forever change their group. 

Stoll uses ASL (American Sign Language) in the illustrations, which is pretty cool. It is a dark story with flawed characters that I found difficult to root for since they are committing crime after crime. The story has enough twists that it will keep you hooked and the illustrations complement the storyline with the perfect blend of color that adds tension in the book. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Kindred by Alechia Dow - HIGH

The Kindred by Alechia Dow, 392 pages. Inkyard Press, 2022. $19.

Language: R (36 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Felix is a duke of the kingdom, and Joy, his Kindred, is of the poorest class. While linking members of the kingdom through the Kindred program is supposed to help merge the gap between classes and give everyone a voice, the kingdom calls the pairing between Felix and Joy a mistake. They’ve always known that being together was impossible, but, when emergency circumstances force them to meet in person, the impossible starts to feel right.

I am blown away by how quickly Dow made me fall in love with these fictitious alien cultures and places. The characters and the story, though, took a few chapters for me to start enjoying. And then, just as I was starting to get pulled in, my interest stalled again when Earth got involved. Felix and Joy develop in ways that encourage readers to similarly make a positive impact on the world and stand up for themselves–and others–and the scifi world built is mesmerizing as Dow paints with words, but I didn’t love the execution of the plot. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, innuendo, and nudity.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall - ADVISABLE

The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo, illustrated by Sophie Blackall 247 pages. Candlewick Press, 2021. $20. Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

When a gentle monk finds a girl asleep in the barn with Answelica the goat, he takes her to the monastery to recover. The girl can remember her name, Beatryce, but not much else. However, as Edik nurses her back to health, he discovers that she may be the girl a prophecy refers to, and that her life may be in danger - the King is looking for her. So, disguising her looks by shaving her head, dressing her in monk's robes and warning her not to speak is not enough. When a boy comes from the village looking for someone who can write down a confession - the other brothers at the monastery are anxious to send Beatryce away (for their protection) and reveal that she can read and write. Now, Beatryce finds herself on an adventure, with the boy, the monk and a man who used to be a King. 

As much as I love books set in the middle ages (Gidwitz's The Inquisitor's Tale, Cushman's Midwife's Apprentice) I have a hard time getting the kids interested. Hopefully DiCamillo's reputation will help, as I think she has given us a well-told story with a bit of action, and a lot of suspense. Also, the goat, Answelica, was my favorite. 

Lisa Librarian

The Girl and the Witch's Garden by Erin Bowman - ADVISABLE

The Girl and the Witch's Garden by Erin Bowman, 288 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2020. $18. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Piper Peavey is worried about her father. His cancer has progressed and he needs to spend extended time in the hospital. Piper and her dad have been on their own since her mother left them when she was little, but now she's being sent to spend the summer at her grandmother's estate.  Arriving there, Piper finds a group of children, close to her age as well as her mother who is barely involved except to enforce behavior. It seems these children have magical powers, called affinities, and are working at the Estate with the hopes of being adopted. The children are needed to find a magical elixir in the witch's enchanted garden, but Piper wants to find it first - to save her father. 

I do like stories with kids who have magical powers, and these kids are learning how to use theirs - in the case of Piper, discovering what hers are. The mystery unravels slowly, the trials in the garden were dangerous and exciting, and the ending is satisfying but leaves a few openings for a sequel.

Lisa Librarian

Pantomime by Christopher Sebela and David Stoll - HIGH

Pantomime by Christopher Sebela, illustrated by David Stoll, 144 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Mad Cave Studios. 2021. $18

Language: PG-13 (23 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Haley and her brother, Max, are sent to a special needs high school following the death of their mother. They find friends with other deaf students and band together to engage in crime. Haley finds committing crime strangely thrilling. They end up stealing from the wrong person though, and find that there are unpleasant consequences that will forever change their group. 

This book uses ASL (American Sign Language) in its illustrations, which is pretty cool. It is a dark story with flawed characters that I found difficult to root for since they are committing crime after crime. The story has enough twists that it will keep you hooked and the illustrations complement the storyline with the perfect blend of color that adds tension in the book. 

 Michelle in the Middle https://amzn.to/3JA4zw5

Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznick - OPTIONAL

Kaleidoscope by Brian Selznick, 208 pages. SHORT STORIES Scholastic Press, 2021. $20.

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

A series of stories, told by a first person narrator and his/her interactions with James who appears in various roles and worlds and manifestations. The stories are very short - 3-5 pages each, and of course, Selznick has provided illustrations. 

Oh dear . . . while I love the quirky stories Selznick tells, I have to say, I was lost. I kept hoping that there would be something to tie it all together. Yes, it's about grief and time and friendship and hope and love, but except for "James" I couldn't find a common thread. The protagonists are children - I think - but I think adults who have more background knowledge and nostalgia and sophistication to make those connections will appreciate this more. 

Lisa Librarian

Elephants! Strange and Wonderful by Laurence Pringle, and Meryl Henderson - ESSENTIAL

Elephants! Strange and Wonderful by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Meryl Henderson PICTURE BOOK, NON-FICTION Boyds Mills Press, 2021. $18. 9781635924794

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Descriptions and illustrations of current as well as ancient species of elephants. We learn about their history, ecologically as well as their interactions with humans. How their trunks are used, what their teeth are like, how they keep themselves cool, how important their families are and so much more. 

Wow! I thought I knew all about elephants - I learned so much. Kids will find this fascinating, the illustrations are realistic, and I'm sure that baby elephant was smiling. Includes a glossary, index and sources for more information. A great informative read for upper elementary or even middle school.

Lisa Librarian

When I Hit the Road by Nancy J Cavanaugh - ADVISABLE

 When I Hit the Road by Nancy J Cavanaugh, 304 pages. Sourcebooks, 2020. $17 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

12yo Samantha has headed to Florida with her crafting company mom to convince Gram that she would be better off moving back to live near them. Gram has other ideas, however. When Mom has to go home suddenly for business, Gram and Samantha join Gram’s best friend and her grandson, Brandon (very cute), take off on a road trip through Florida in Gram’s turquoise Mustang, with the goal to earn a spot in a karaoke competition at the county fair. 

A quick, fun, funky read full of laughs and impossible, embarrassing situations. Gram really has it going on and her love for life finally penetrates into Samantha’s anxiety. 

 Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Shock Waves by Justin A. Reynolds and Pablo Leon - HIGH

 Shock Waves (Miles Morales) by Justin A. Reynolds, illustrated by Pablo Leon, 128 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic. 2021. $13

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Miles Morales is Brooklyn’s Spider Man, and he is trying to balance school, family, and his super hero gig. A devastating earthquake hits his mother’s birthplace of Puerto Rico and he sets out to raise money for the people there. Meanwhile, there is crime afoot that seems to tie into Miles’ school and family life and even his fundraising. 

I like that Miles has a Puerto Rican background and that his mother shares stories and words from her country. It’s refreshing that Miles has a strong family and two parents. Miles makes for a fun take on the Spider hero role and even gets advice from the Queens Spider Man. There’s a nice enough wrap up at the end to be satisfying but enough loose ends to make you want to read the next installment. A fun read for Spidey fans and nonfans alike. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

The Invisible Alphabet by Joshua David Stein and Ron Barrett - ESSENTIAL

The Invisible Alphabet by Joshua David Stein, illustrated by Ron Barrett. Penguin, 2020. $18. 9780593222775 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Gone, clear, disappeared – an ode to many ways that something is not there. 

Stein has a deft collaborator in the illustrator of Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs for his book about many words and situations that can describe something that is not there. I would to share this with almost any age of reader or writer – if only high schools would embrace picture books more frequently! 

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Heartless Prince by Leigh Dragoon and Angela DeVito - HIGH

Heartless Prince by Leigh Dragoon and Angela DeVito, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Hyperion (Disney), 2021. $21

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

An orphaned princess, Evony lives with the royal family from a kingdom threatened by witches. Her own kingdom was destroyed by them. Evony has a special ability that Prince Ammon is drawn to, which helps her sense when familiars (servants to witches) are approaching the kingdom. Evony is attracted to the prince and wishes he was drawn to more than just her abilities. One day as they are outside the safety of the kingdom, Ammon is taken captive by the witch, Aradia who literally steals his heart and leaves his body to turn into one of her familiars. Evony sets off find Ammon’s heart and to rescue his sister, who has been captured by witches. 

As the first in a trilogy, this will definitely hook you in. The storyline is original and Evony is a strong character I found myself rooting for. The art is stylish and adds just the right touch of creepiness that makes the book even more intriguing. I will definitely read the next two books. 

 Michelle in the Middle https://amzn.to/3JIgpnE

Rainbow Bridge by Steve Orlando, Steve Foxe, and Valentina Brancati - OPTIONAL

 Rainbow Bridge by Steve Orlando and Steve Foxe, illustrated by Valentina Brancati, 126 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Seismic Press. 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Andy and his dog, Rocket, are inseparable until Rocket passes away just before Andy’s 14th birthday. Andy is devastated and can’t bear the thought of starting high school without Rocket. When he visits Rocket’s grave, he is transported over the Rainbow Bridge where pets discover their afterlife. Andy discovers that there is a dark side to the afterlife and that Rocket needs his help. 

There isn’t a whole lot to the plot, but pet lovers everywhere will probably relate to Andy and his wish to see his beloved pet again. The art is engaging and bright and appropriately dark where needed, and no one can argue with the theme that no animal is a lost cause. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Evil Thing by Sereno Valentino and Arielle Jovellanos - HIGH

Evil Thing: A Villains Graphic Novel by Sereno Valentino, illustrated by Arielle Jovellanos, 122 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Disney Hyperion. 2021. $22

Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Cruella Deville tells her story about how she went from a young girl with hopes and dreams to the evil thing obsessed with turning puppies into fur coats. 

A new take on Cruella’s background story, this one makes you feel sorry for her even while you want to drop kick a member of her family. The art, done in red tones, is totally engaging and beautifully rendered. I thought this telling of Cruella’s descent into darkness had heart (or the lack thereof) that made Cruella more three-dimensional. Add in a dysfunctional family, social classes and greed, and you have a great mix. Even though you know how Cruella turns out, the journey is worth it. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Amelia Erroway: Castaway Commander by Betsy Peterschmidt - HIGH

 Amelia Erroway: Castaway Commander by Betsy Peterschmidt, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Graphix (Scholastic). 2021. $15

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Amelia is nearly 13yo and she yearns to fly her father’s airship. Amelia’s father doesn’t allow her to so she shows him by taking off herself in his prized craft, the Intrepyd Ray. A storm hits and she is forced down in uncharted lands deep in the rain forest where she meets two brothers who may be able to help her fix her ship and fly it home. 

The art has a beautiful watercolor feel to it. Amelia is a plucky girl and her father is painted as overprotective, especially after Amelia’s mother disappears, but really, how many dads are going to turn an airship over to a preteen? Amelia doesn’t seem to miss her father much, and seems more than ready to break ties with him. The boys’ mother becomes more like family to her than her father, mostly because their mom lets her do whatever she wants. The adult in me wonders that a 13yo should be given carte blanche. I’m sure kids will read it differently and find Amelia’s journey a grand adventure. 

 Michelle in the Middle